26 Apr 2005

March in Tonga's capital next week to protest royals business involvement

6:11 pm on 26 April 2005

Tonga's Human Rights and Democracy movement plans to hold a protest march in Nuku'alofa next week.

Local media say the march is to present a petition to King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV about the people's concerns regarding the involvement of the royal family in key businesses.

The power generation company, the internet domain name and Tongasat are mostly owned by Crown Prince Tupou'toa and Princess Pilolevu.

The petition will also urge the King to leave the administration of the Kingdom to the people, and the royal family to become a figurehead.

The march was the outcome of public meetings by three Tongatapu people's representatives - Akilisi Pohiva, Isileli Pulu and the acting prime minister, Dr Feleti Sevele.